SAGE Lecture Spark [8/27/18] The Publisher of the Social Sciences

Who Will Succeed European Bank Chief Draghi? Mario Draghi has stepped down “as head of the European Central Bank, one of the world's most powerful economic policy posts.” Jens Weidmann, the head of Germany's national central bank, the Bundesbank, had previously been slated for the position. Other national bank leaders in Europe have been discussed for the position—with each lending a different perspective to banking policy.

Economic Significance of Democratic Decline “Within five years, they forecast, non-democratic nations such as China, Russia and Saudi Arabia will be richer as a group than the Western liberal democracies.” By selecting what information reaches which users, digital media can alter human decisions and pose risks to civil society.” “By 2022… more than 1.5 billion people will be living in economically mature autocracies, up from about 34 million in 1995.” China is an authoritarian example, but not purely. “China is best understood as an 'autocracy with democratic characteristics.”

Social Change in Film: BlacKkKlansman Spike Lee’s new film addresses the relationship between agency and structure by exploring ”relevant aspects of race and radicalism, focusing on an investigation of a local Colorado chapter of the Ku Klux Klan by a black undercover detective in the 1970s.” This film addresses social change in a mainstream media movie where few others dare to tread. Is this an indication of shifts in the film industry to come?

“Grindr: The Opera” Addresses Net Neutrality and Big Tech “Grindr asks users to categorise themselves into one of 12 “tribes”—such as ‘jock’ or ‘geek’—which are hardly objective categories” and this is reflected in the play as well, where the site-as-character delights in the pain and drama of others. “Grindr cares little about users’ wellbeing, and more about creating a habit.”

Key Concepts The Economics of the Media Industry: Economic shift away from media-controlling, democratic nations Social change in mainstream media as financially viable Adaptability/ economic viability of particular media across time and borders Links to Relevant Articles

Assessment Current Events Quiz Writing: “Within five years…non-democratic nations such as China, Russia and Saudi Arabia will be richer as a group than the Western liberal democracies.” What do you think this means for media and the world in general? Go beyond arguing whether this is “good” or “bad” and discuss what you believe could occur (or not). Use the Axios article for other facts as needed. Debate: Now again consider the changing economic/political nature of the world. As non-democratic nations have more people, become more powerful, and become more wealthy— now debate: is this good or bad, and why? Poll: Where do you most get your economics news? Word of mouth local news TV larger TV news stations radio newspapers social media online news networks. Short Answer: Consider both the Axios and the Economist article’s use of the term “tribe.” Who is your day-to-day tribe, and who is your social media tribe? Is there overlap? Current Events Quiz In five years time, research suggests, which of these will hold more wealth? By 2022… more than 1.5 billion people will be living in economically mature ____. Complete the sentence. BlacKkKlansman tries to address ____ in ways that most mainstream films today do not. According to the play about the dating app, Grindr is more concerned with making money than____: Using quotes from the Axios article, China is best “understood as”: Answers Non-democratic nations such as China, Russia and Saudi Arabia Autocracies Social Change 4. Users’ well-being 5. An autocracy with democratic characteristics

Quiz Time! In five years time, research suggests, which of these will hold more wealth? By 2022… more than 1.5 billion people will be living in economically mature ____. Complete the sentence. BlacKkKlansman tries to address ____ in ways that most mainstream films today do not. According to the play about the dating app, Grindr is more concerned with making money than____: Using quotes from the Axios article, China is best “understood as”: Current Events Quiz In five years time, research suggests, which of these will hold more wealth? By 2022… more than 1.5 billion people will be living in economically mature ____. Complete the sentence. BlacKkKlansman tries to address ____ in ways that most mainstream films today do not. According to the play about the dating app, Grindr is more concerned with making money than____: Using quotes from the Axios article, China is best “understood as”: Answers Non-democratic nations such as China, Russia and Saudi Arabia Autocracies Social Change 4. Users’ well-being 5. An autocracy with democratic characteristics